Dr. Louis F. Mustari

Dr. Louis F. Mustari, age 93, of DeKalb, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 22nd, 2024. He was born in Chicago on August 18th, 1930, the son of Frank and Rose Mustari.

After having a rich childhood in Bridgeport, filled with strong bonds and memories that he cherished throughout his life, Louie attended the Art Institute of Chicago, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Lieb. They wed in 1953 and embarked on an adventurous marriage, filled with many dear friends, traditions, travels, and memories.

At the Art Institute of Chicago, Louie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis on sculpture and drawing. He went on to obtain his doctorate in art history from the University of Iowa. A one-year Fulbright Scholarship enabled him to do the research for his dissertation in Florence, Italy, and bring his family of five with him. This opportunity further ignited his love for travel and passion for Italian Medieval and Renaissance art, for which he became highly esteemed for his expertise. One of the biggest honors he received in his career was an invitation to give a talk at the 700 year anniversary of Florence's Duomo.

In 1969, Louie accepted the job he would later retire from, as an Art History Professor at Northern Illinois University. This position opened up numerous opportunities for him to travel around Europe, as he organized and hosted many study programs. He made numerous lifelong friends through these trips and maintained contact throughout the years. He earned a reputation as a highly knowledgeable, personable, and entertaining professor.

Louie continued to create art throughout his life. His main passion was charcoal drawings of live models, which he looked forward to doing at his weekly drawing sessions. Besides exhibiting his works at a gallery, he participated in many art shows, both as a judge in refereed art shows and as a contributor displaying his own artwork.

Louie was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church in DeKalb, IL, for over 50 years. He lived out his deep faith by upholding a high moral integrity, never failing to advocate for what is right and just. Louie's insurmountable strength, perseverance, and determination will continue to inspire those blessed enough to have known him.

Louie will forever be remembered as a masterful storyteller, able to provide sophisticated insight while bringing a smile to anyone's face. Louie's essential words of wisdom were, "In life you have two things: your faith and your family." The generosity, kindness, and love of his heart will continue to warm the hearts of his family and friends.

Louie was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy and daughter Nina Japuntich.

He is survived by his son Gino Mustari; daughter Dr. Elisa Mustari; grandchildren Jon Japuntich, Christina Japuntich, Francesca Thielman (Shad); great-grandchildren Angelina and Isabella Thielman; and many dear relatives and friends.

A private ceremony will be held for the immediate family at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dekalb, IL. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.